The battle is the Lord’s: Jehoshaphat’s battle

Last week we began by recognizing that we are indeed in a very real spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). Because of this, we are told to live Battle Ready! 

Ephesians 6:13 | Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

For some, the thought of a spiritual battle can seem overwhelming. After all, if we can’t see our enemy, how do we fight? For others, the thought of spiritual darkness plotting against them stirs up feelings of fear or uncertainty. But the Bible instructs us to stand firm (Ephesians 6:13) and to live without fear or discouragement (Joshua 1:9). How is this possible? We can look to another impossible physical battle to figure this out. 

In 2nd Chronicles 20, THREE armies declare war against King Jehoshaphat. Everyone is TERRIFIED as their destruction seems certain. Rather than running away in fear or fighting according to his own strength or wisdom, Jehoshaphat shows us where to turn when the battle around us is raging–

2nd Chronicles 20:12 | O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.

King Jehoshaphat is desperate and he asks for God’s help. The Lord’s Spirit answers through a man named Jahaziel with this message-

2nd Chronicles 20:15 | He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

The Battle is the Lord’s. Because of this message, Jehoshaphat is able to carry out the instructions we are given in Ephesians 6:13 -

2nd Chronicles 20:20 | Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

The army doesn’t fight. They praise God and watch as He renders the enemy armies powerless. 

2nd Chronicles 20:22 | At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.

While we aren’t fighting three physical armies like King Jehoshaphat, we learned last week that we are in a very real spiritual battle that can seem impossible to overcome. We learn from 2nd Chronicles 20 that the battle is the Lord’s – believing this is how we stand firm! 

Ephesians 6:10 | A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

As we prepare to be Battle Ready warriors in this spiritual battle, we must believe that the battle is the Lord’s – it is won by His power. In fact, according to scripture, Satan has already been rendered powerless over the believer (Colossians 2:13-15) and his ultimate destruction is certain (Revelation 19:11-16). We will learn more about the limits of our enemy’s power next week, but even before then, the believer can stand firm in the battle because of the One who stands with them – 

Deuteronomy 31:8 | Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

The Almighty (Rev. 1:8) Rescuer/Deliverer (Romans 11:26) and Redeemer (Job 19:25), who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Tim. 6:15), is in you and greater than the one who is in this world (1 John 4:4).

Proverbs 21:31 | The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

Remember, the battle is the Lord’s! 

  • What impossible battle was King Jehoshaphat facing? 

  • What was the King’s response to this frightening situation? 

  • The battle Jehoshaphat was facing belonged to the Lord. What does this mean? 

  • You are in a spiritual war, but the battle is the Lord’s. How can believing this help you stand firm? 

    • When the battle rages around you, do you tend to stand firm in faith or to waver in doubt/fear? Why?

    • Look back to the steps Jehoshaphat took when he was afraid. What can you do when your faith wavers?

Family DevoFamily Ministry TeamTimeless Truth